Zen practice focuses upon tasks that are ordinary. Anyone can do them. Everyone must. Each task must be done thoroughly, impeccably, not rushed through to get to the next. One task is not more important than the other, just like one person is not more important than the next. Birds, insects, animals, are cared for and respected equally. All of life is precious and whatever presents itself is cared for. We do not sift out one thing from another. Also, we do not do something hoping for a reward. That is adding something extra. This something extra causes anguish if it does not arrive.

Brenda Shoshanna in Zen Miracles